TV astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who lives in Sussex, has spoken of his belief that UK immigration rules are not strict enough.

The Sky at Night presenter made his comments yesterday during a speech to a meeting of the charity Age Concern in Winchester, Hants.

The 79-year-old had been invited to speak on old age.

Sir Patrick, of Selsey, told the meeting: "We are being swamped by people who come here because we are a soft touch.

"I know people will say 'racist, racist, racist' ... well, personally I agree with Flanders and Swann, who said 'The English, the English, the English are best'."

Sir Patrick added today: "We are definitely overpopulated and immigration should definitely be stricter."